Disability poses hurdle for journalist

It has become a ritual I have learned to expect from time to time. My mother will utter something that deserves a response, but the words I say will be slurred and difficult to understand. So, my mother demands, lovingly yet firm, "Teri, AR-TIC-U-LATE your words!" I give it a second try, and hopefully she'll understand me this time, but I know that eventually this scene will repeat itself.

I am consciously aware that my speech is difficult for others to understand. When I made the decision to declare journalism as my major, I didn't think that my speech problem, or the fact that I have cerebral palsy, would interfere with my responsibilities.

I was wrong.

Being that I am a new reporter for the Daily Forty Niner, I am learning every day that my new position, along with its multiple rewards, will at times be demanding. I must make quick decisions. I must meet my deadlines or my editor may turn me over her knee, and I must be able to produce copy that students will WANT to read.

I will have to do some interviewing along the way, both in person and on the telephone. This means there may be a potential problem, for if my contact person cannot understand me, then the information I receive could be lacking. I want to avoid that. Instead, I want to go to any measure to make sure that my contact with news sources is clear and effective.

If you are one of my future contact persons, I will forewarn you that the sound of my voice is, well ... it's just a little bit different. If, during our interview, you have difficulty understanding me, please don't hesitate to say, "Stop Teri, I can't understand you," or "Please slow down." I will not be offended. A large part of my job is to fully account for what you say so your views will not be misrepresented.

I'd like to extend a "thank you" to all of my former professors, and to my peers who have taken the time to get to know me inside. I have come to realize that the friendships I have developed at Cal State Long Beach have been essential to my college success. My friends give me pleasure and a sense of acceptance that is invaluable, and what I learn from these interactions can be applied in years far beyond those spent as a student.

The disabled community here at CSULB is composed of unique people who offer hope, inspiration and sensitivity in their interactions at school. Not only do we vary in our disabilities, but so too do we vary in our talents. We have commitments and outside relationships just like everyone else on campus.

I think that in the chaos we all find ourselves in, we risk being too quick to judge someone solely on the basis of physical characteristics. If we don't make the effort at least once to converse with them, then it seems to me that we may be missing out on a real learning experience. We may rob ourselves of a chuckle or two, or perhaps even a friendship that could be lifelong.

I have some definite goals in mind to help me become a better journalist. I want to be part of a team that produces a newsp aper both the university and the entire city of Long Beach can take pride in. I want to help make the Daily Forty Niner the very best that it can be, because it is so much a reflection of our campus, as well as the students who attend it.

Won't you help me in making this goal turn into a reality? It will surely be a benefit to us all.